Royal Seal of Approval Breast Cancer's World-Class Research Unit in Edinburgh
4 June 2008
A pioneering new breast cancer research unit set up by Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The University of Edinburgh was officially opened on the 5 June 2008 by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Based at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, the Breakthrough Research Unit, Edinburgh will bring together some of the best Scottish-based scientists and doctors to develop a centre of excellence for world-class breast cancer research.
The unit's location adjacent to the Edinburgh Breast Clinic at the Western General Hospital will help ensure laboratory results are turned into direct benefits for patients as quickly as possible.
Scientists at the unit will focus on improving treatment for hormone-sensitive breast cancer, the most common form of the disease. Women with this type of tumour are usually treated with hormone therapies such as tamoxifen but not everyone benefits from these treatments. Many women experience the problem of drug resistance where their treatment stops working. The aim of the Breakthrough Research Unit, Edinburgh is ultimately to ensure women are treated in the most appropriate and effective way for their particular type of breast cancer, overcoming or avoiding the problem of drug resistance.
Professor David Harrison, Director of the new unit, said, "We are delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to the opening of the Breakthrough Research Unit, Edinburgh.
"This facility marks a significant step forward for breast cancer research in Scotland. By bringing together some of the best scientific and clinical minds in the country, we will be able to improve treatment available for women and ensure patients are able to reap the benefits of our work as quickly as possible."
Related Link
The official site of the British Monarchy
BBC News: Prince Charles opens cancer unit
The Times: Edinburgh breast cancer research unit gives hope to thousands
The Scotsman: Prince Charles to open breast cancer centre
Royal Society Awards
August 2008
Two IGMM scientists have been awarded prizes from the Royal Society of Edinburgh in recognition of their outstanding achievements in medical science.
The following awards were announced in June:
Professor David Porteous, director of the Molecular Medicine Centre at the University of Edinburgh received the Bruce Preller Prize Lectureship for 2008.
Professor Veronica van Heyningen, Head of Medical and Developmental Genetics Section, MRC Human Genetics Unit, received the Henry Dryerre Prize Lectureship for 2008.
Bruce Preller Award
Professor Porteous' work focuses on the application of knowledge emerging from the Human Genome Project to the identification of risk factors, disease processes and new treatments for common disorders.
Prof Porteous will deliver his lecture, entitled "The impact of genetics on public and mental health", on 1 December 2008.
The Bruce Preller Prize Lectureship was established in 1929 in memory of the late Dr Charles Du Riche Preller, an electrical engineer and amateur geologist.
It is awarded sequentially to an outstanding scientist in Earth Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Medical Sciences and Biological Sciences.
Henry Dryerre Award
Professor Veronica van Heyningen of the MRC Human Genetics Unit received the award for her outstanding contribution to genetics and developmental biology.
Her lecture on how studies of human eye malformations can cast light onto normal developmental processes, genetic mechanisms, evolution and the role of environment in disease will be delivered on 7 September 2009.
This prize was established in 1989 in memory of Henry Dryerre, who was Professor of Veterinary Physiology at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, now part of the University of Edinburgh. The Prize Lectureship is awarded quadrennially to a distinguished scholar in the field of medical research.
The presentation of RSE Medals, Prizes and Prize Lectureships took place at the Society's Triennial Dinner on Saturday 28 June 2008.
Related Link
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
Molecular Medicine Centre, The University of Edinburgh: Professor David Porteous
MRC Human Genetics Unit: Professor Veronica van Heyningen
